National Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2026
In September 2026, the PSD Scotland Pharmacy Team, in partnership with Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) and the Company Chemist Association (CCA), will undertake a national survey of the community pharmacy workforce across Scotland.
The survey will provide an up-to-date picture of workforce numbers and skill mix within community pharmacy. The findings will support workforce planning and development, helping to ensure that services are supported by the right people with the right skills, both now and in the future.
How information will be collected
Independent community pharmacies
Data will be collected through an online survey, which will be sent directly to each pharmacy mailbox. We encourage each pharmacy to identify a single individual to collate and submit the required information on behalf of the pharmacy.
Multiple and group pharmacies
Data will be collected centrally through a nominated individual within each organisation using a standardised spreadsheet template. Further information and guidance will be issued in due course.
What the survey will cover
The survey will capture a snapshot of the community pharmacy workforce during the week of Sunday 6 September to Saturday 12 September 2026, including:
- pharmacists (including centrally employed pharmacists where applicable)
- locum pharmacists
- pre-registration trainee pharmacists
- pharmacy technicians, including trainee pharmacy technicians
pharmacy support staff
The information gathered will help inform future workforce planning and support the continued development of community pharmacy services across Scotland.
Questions about the survey?
Get in touch if you have any questions about the survey or need further information.
Email: pharmacy@nes.scot.nhs.uk
